Update on the Dart Valley landslide

On Monday morning staff from GNS
Science and Queenstown DoC completed another inspection of
the major landslide within the Dart Valley. It was observed
that while a new lake had formed upstream of the landslide,
the Dart River was no longer blocked as the water had begun
to flow past the landslide debris. GNS considers there is
no immediate danger of a large volume of water being
suddenly released down the Dart River below the dam produced
by the landslide.

The landslide and lake have cut walking
access through the Dart Valley. DoC has been forced to
close the Dart Valley Track between Daleys Flat Hut and
Bedford Steam. DoC Conservation Services Manager John
Roberts says “the area is now impassable, many sections of
the track are either underwater or are undercut and have
fallen away”. John explains “as the lake is not likely
to disappear quickly this track closure will remain in place
until further notice. Tramping the complete Rees-Dart
circuit is therefore not feasible.”

“Trampers can
still walk the Rees Valley to Dart and Daleys Flat Huts.
However they will need to return the way they came, or exit
via the Matukituki Valley. From the Dart Valley road end,
people may walk from Chinaman’s Bluff to as far as Bedford
Stream before returning.” John cautions “if you use any
section of the Dart Valley Track, track please abide by all
safety notices, and do not proceed into closed areas.”
DoC is currently working to find an alternative route around
the landslide and lake so the entire Dart Valley track may
be re-opened. All other tramping tracks in the area remain
open.

The QLDC harbour master advises that people wishing
to boat, kayak or camp by the Dart River may do so but must
stay alert for any changes in conditions. The public may
find information on Dart Valley rainfall and river flow on
the Otago Regional Council’s Waterinfo website www.orc.govt.nz/Information-and-Services/Water.

The
new landslide has formed within an existing zone of
instability located in the Te Koroka / Slip Stream area.
While there have been other landslides in this vicinity,
recent rainstorms have resulted in this more significant
debris flow to cross right across the valley floor. In some
places the debris is several hundred metres wide.

The new
lake is forming behind the landslide. This lake is now over
3km long, spanning the full width of the Dart valley, and is
up to 20 metres deep. The Dart River flows through this
lake before exiting across the landslide debris and back
into its usual course. The force of water is pushing hard
across the eastern (true left) side of the valley, and the
slopes here are being actively eroded. The lake is expected
to only slowly subside as the river erodes through the
landslide debris.

Until more is known of the long term
consequences of the landslide the situation will be
monitored closely and the public advised if conditions
change.

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